The 49ers have handled two of their three biggest problems, by promoting Trent Baalke to general manager and hiring Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach. Well, they've addressed the problems; it remains to be seen if the gentlemen can actually handle the issues at hand.

One of those issues is probably the biggest problem held over from the previous regime -- no clear-cut starting quarterback on the roster. Alex Smith's the former franchise quarterback who's clearly not the answer. Troy Smith provided a glimmer of hope during the 2010 season, but he clearly can't handle a complex offensive system. And David Carr, well, let's not get into that. Baalke apparently agrees, as he told Mike Florio on "Pro Football Talk Live" that he doesn't think the Niners' have their

"We've got three ways that we're going to approach it," Baalke said. "Obviously, you've got the draft. You've got potential trades. And you've got free agency. Is the quarterback of the future on this roster? I think it's obvious that he isn't at this point, but things could change and they will change through one of those three vehicles."

Things could get complicated because of the labor negotiations though -- there's a chance that they won't have a chance to either a) sign a veteran before the draft or b) trade for a veteran or trade players to move up in the draft for a quarterback.

Which means that San Francisco will likely draft some quarterback when the weekend of April 28-30 rolls around.

And, on the bright side, at least Baalke's aware that the team need a significant upgrade at the position and that his first test in his new job's going to come soon.

Hey, you. Yeah, you. Not impressed with the job Tom Coughlin did this season? Think he should have been fired despite the Giants 10-6 record? Yeah? Well, you can kiss his ass, then. You all can line up and kiss his ass.

The 49ers are looking for a head coach, but apparently, they don’t mind giving their defensive coordinator a shot at a different head coaching job.

As CSN Bay Area writes, San Francisco defensive coordinator Greg Manusky will interview for the Panthers job that’s been vacated by John Fox.

- In other 49ers news, the San Jose Mercury News reports that team owner Jed York has narrowed the field to two GM candidates: Trent Baalke and Michael Lombardi.

Apparently, Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh – who very well could be the next San Francisco head coach after the new GM is hired – would be fine with either candidate.

Expect a decision on the GM matter very soon. Like, really, really soon.

- And while we’re at it, we’ll throw this bit of news in there as well. As the Contra Costa Times writes, the 49ers have been given permission from the Raiders to interview Oakland offensive coordinator Hue Jackson for the San Francisco head coaching position.

“The 49ers asked and Al said yes,” senior executive John Herrera told the paper. “He’s happy for Hue.” UPDATED (9:00 p.m.): Earlier, when I said "Expect a decision on the GM matter very soon. Like, really, really soon," I didn't expect the decision would be made 10 minutes after I posted the blog.

But yeah, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, Baalke has been handed the GM reins. His first order of business: track down Jim Harbaugh, drag him into the 49ers offices and force him to take the San Francisco job.

The 49ers are so busy at work trying to find a general manager that they don't have time right now to start interviewing coaches, right?

Wrong, apparently -- Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that San Francisco has requested permission from the Oakland Raiders to interview offensive coordinator Hue Jackson for their head coaching position.

This is an interesting move on a number of fronts. First, they have no GM (technically; everyone believes Trent Baalke is going to get the gig at some point), so they're going against their previously stated policy of hiring the front office before the coaching staff.

Secondly, Jackson is considered a potential frontrunner for the Oakland job, if Al Davis decides to relieve Tom Cable of his duties.

And finally, Jackson's interview immediately complies the 49ers with the Rooney Rule. That's not say they're doing it just to comply, but once they've completed a legitimate interview with a minority candidate, they have free reign to hire anyone they want without fear of being rebuked. (Although it's worth noting, I think, that the 49ers aren't exactly concerned with hiring a minority candidate -- they just finished the Mike Singletary era.)

And who knows? Maybe Jackson's the guy after all, although it would seem odd to have them "find their guy" before the front office is figured out.

The San Francisco 49ers continue to interview people for their vacant GM position, but the belief around the league is that the job is certain to go to Trent Baalke. Baalke has served as the Niners’ VP of player personnel ever since Scot McCloughan was abruptly relieved of his GM duties in April.

What’s funny is that one of the national reporters who believes Baalke will be named the GM within the next 48 hours is NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi. Lombardi himself interviewed for the job (and, word is, he was very impressive). Prior to joining NFL Network, Lombardi worked in the Raiders and Broncos front office.

If these interviews are indeed window dressing, the benefit for Jed York and the Niners is it will make Baalke look even more qualified for the job. After all, he wouldn’t have simply been promoted – he would have beaten out several strong candidates for the job.